Compared to the five-year average, crop condition in Australia was generally average over there porting period, as illustrated by the crop condition development graph. Crop condition, however, was below average in April. The total maximum VCI reached0.82 with a stable value for the area of cropped arable land (CALF, -1%).

Although the precipitation in Australia shows a decrease of 22% compared to average (withTEMP at -0.3°C and RADPAR -3% compared to average), the planted winter wheat was in the dormant period so that the drop in precipitation will not sosignificantly impact its growth. However, parts of north and western Victoria showbelow-average NDVI values (clearly shown in the spatial NDVI patterns), which should be paid attention to; these areas account for about 41.6% of the croppedregions. Victoria also experienced a precipitation drop of 50%, possibly due tothe influence of EI Niño (TEMP, -0.7°C and RADPAR, -4%), leading to a 43% dropin accumulated potential biomass (BIOMSS). Crop condition in southeastern NewSouth Wales was below average from April to June, but improved to above averagein July. Southwestern Western Australia, south-eastern South Australia, andsouthern Victoria all show generally average crops. In general, crop conditionin Australia is favorable.

Figure3.6. Australia crop condition, April-July 2015

(a)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI     (b)Maximum VCI

(c)Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA                   (d)NDVI profiles